The San Francisco 49ers are set to host the Denver Broncos this Saturday evening in the second preseason matchup for both squads.
Both teams failed to come away victorious in their exhibition openers. However, Denver scored a touchdown with its first unit and reached field-goal range twice.
Russell Wilson did look reasonably comfortable in his first game running Sean Payton’s offense, while behind him, Ben DiNucci outperformed Jarrett Stidham.
San Francisco had a much more unproductive outing, scoring just once in a 34-7 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Trey Lance drew the start and put up impressive numbers (10-for-15, 112 yards, 1 TD), but neither Sam Darnold nor Brandon Allen could get the Niners into the end zone.
As of Thursday afternoon, neither team has finalized who will play come Saturday. However, it’s likely we will see both squads’ starters for at least a couple of series.
Broncos vs 49ers Odds
NFL odds used for this Denver vs San Francisco preview were found at DraftKings Sportsbook and are current as of Thursday, Aug. 17, at 3:00 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Broncos (-185) • 49ers (+154)
- Spread: Broncos -4 (-110) • 49ers +4 (-110)
- Total Points: Over 38.5 (-112) • Under 38.5 (-108)
- Implied Score: Broncos 21.25, 49ers 17.25
Broncos vs 49ers Predictions
Score Pick: Broncos 24, 49ers 16
The Niners have had an eventful training camp and preseason. Apart from presumed starting quarterback Brock Purdy completing his recovery from offseason elbow surgery, three-time Pro Bowler and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa did not report to camp and remains a holdout due to a contract dispute.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan has been somewhat elusive on his personnel plans for this second preseason game outside of confirming he’s still likely to afford Darnold the start and have Lance follow him, a reversal of the opener. Lance threw San Francisco’s lone touchdown last week and could perform reasonably well against Denver’s backups later in the contest.
On the other side, another week of practice in Payton’s system should only benefit Wilson and top receivers Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton, who both performed well during their time in last week’s game.
The offense could also receive some reinforcements in the form of promising young running back Javonte Williams, who’s been cleared for game action after tearing his ACL in Week 4 of last season. Payton has confirmed he expects Williams to log 10-12 snaps in Saturday night’s contest.
Broncos vs 49ers Best Bets & Props
Broncos -4 (-110)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 2 Units
Despite the volatility of preseason football, Denver covering against the 49ers is my NFL bet of the day. San Francisco doesn’t appear to have enough depth behind its starters, which was evident during last week’s blowout defeat.
Should the starters on both teams get extended playing time, the 49ers should have a chance to keep this relatively competitive. However, I’m still in the camp of the Broncos, recording a victory of at least five points.
Broncos: Win by 7-12 (+400)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
For a riskier play, choose the 7-to-12-point winning margin in favor of the Broncos for juiced odds.
Given my score prediction, a victory by Denver of this margin falls in line and comes with an excellent price. As mentioned earlier, the Broncos appear to have at least a slight edge in depth based on the teams’ respective preseason openers, so a victory where they pull away slightly in the second half is in play.
Over 38.5 (-110)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
Betting the point total during the preseason is never a sure thing. While at face value, it appears that neither team did enough during last week’s games to warrant taking the Over, it’s important to note that both missed multiple field goals and committed a combined three turnovers.
If both teams can tighten loose ends, they should have a solid chance of combining for enough points to eclipse this total.
Broncos vs 49ers Same Game Parlay
Same Game Parlay (+191)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
- Broncos Moneyline (-185)
- Over 38.5 (-112)
Based on my belief of a Broncos win and the Over, I recommend combining both wagers at a great price in this same-game parlay.
Denver is an especially heavy favorite and has only seen its moneyline price grow since the open, while the total appears to be one that can be eclipsed, especially if at least one of the two teams gives its starters on offense some semi-extended run.
